As you can see from my portfolio, I am a big fan of Neil Gaiman's book Coraline. I'm in love with the visuals and the way it is written.

I wanted to do a spot illustration of the other mother when she is first introduced to the reader.

It sounded like her mother. Coraline went into the kitchen, where the voice had come from. A woman stood in the kitchen with her back to Coraline. She looked a little like Coraline's mother. Only...Only her skin was white as paper.Only she was taller and thinner.Only her fingers were too long, and they never stopped moving, and her dark-red fingernails were curved and sharp.

'Coraline?' the woman said. 'Is that you?'And then she turned around. Her eyes were big black buttons.'Lunchtime, Coraline,' said the woman'Who are you?' asked Coraline.'I'm your other mother," said the woman. 'Go and tell your other father that lunch is ready.' She opened the door of the oven.

I've gathered a lot of inspiration from Dita Von Teese

Brain storming sketch.

One of many 1950s references for "the perfect mother, wife, and home." Yick.